We are having our first snowfall in over a year, so my later appointment to work on basement window treatments was postponed.  So instead I draw from my inbox. 

I received an email from a reader asking me for help with her decorating dilemma. 

Denise,
Can you help me with the design for the front door in my living room? I have no foyer and the room is long and narrow.
Thank you,
Jill in Mass

I assume from your note that when you enter your home, you walk directly into the Living Room. This is an awkward setup visually and well as functionally. I am going to assume that there is a coat closet nearby.  But I realize that here in the metropolitan Washington DC region there are hundreds of thousands of townhouses with entrances directly into the living space and no coat closets whatsoever.

Tidiness is of the upmost importance here. Use the closet to hang coats and place a basket on a shelf for hats, scarves and gloves. And add a small cabinet to house any miscellaneous items and place a tray or another basket on the top for items often dumped at the door, like keys and mail. Whatever you do, tame the beast that throws coats on the sofa!

Since your Living Room is long and narrow, paint out a foyer. Use good quality painters tape to mask off an area near the door three or four feet on either side. Paint this “Faux Foyer” an accent color. Choose something bold and dramatic. Just be sure your color harmonizes with the current Living Room scheme. This could be the perfect spot to try a graphic wallpaper.

Consider purchasing a console table. Try something like the Pia Table from Crate and Barrel, which looks attractive from all sides. To create a visual break, place it perpendicular to the wall at the edge of the painted out area. Avoid placing a lot of items here, but fresh flowers or a potted plant will add life and energy.

Finally, paint your door and add it to your cleaning routine. Because it is a visible element in your living space, it must be maintained like any other structure there.